The IBM International Foundation and the New York City Public Schools have collaborated to create the new Pathways in Technology Early College High School, which will open in September.

Dubbed “P-Tech,” students can earn a standard four-year diploma, or opt to stay for two extra years — after which they’ll graduate with an associate’s degree in computer science from CUNY’s College of Technology (City Tech) for free. They can then continue their studies at City Tech, attend other colleges and apply the credits they’ve already earned, or be considered for employment by IBM’s IT department and at other companies.

To prepare students for the job market, IBM — which helped create P-Tech’s curriculum — will provide mentoring and internship opportunities in information technology.

Four-fifths of P-Tech’s inaugural freshman class of 130 are from low-income homes, and the only requirement for admission is an interest in computers, math and science.

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